Compliance Updates
The Dutch start to enforce the Loot Box ban
The Dutch gambling authority will enforce a new ban on loot boxes. They identified four games that offer loot boxes that are considered gambling. According to the public broadcast company these games are FIFA 18, DOTA 2, PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds and Rocket League.
These games had until the 20th of june to make changes to the gambling aspect of their loot boxes (has the player influence on what he/she gets? do the items have value outside the game, like market place websites?). Starting from thursday the gambling authority will enforce the rules.
Fines can be 830.000 euro (960.000 dollar) or 10% of the company’s worldwide revenue. If they don’t make changes, the public prosecutor will look into prosecution.
The decision is part of a wider discussion on loot boxes and gambling in games. While Belgium has sided with the Netherlands on the issue, the UK Gambling Commission has ruled that loot boxes don’t constitute gambling under British law, and is joined by the Gambling Compliance office of New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs in this decision. In the United States, the ESRB determined loot boxes were not gambling under its own criteria.
It’s well known that, EA has insisted that loot boxes in FIFA aren’t a form of gambling, with CEO Andrew Wilson saying that “EA is “working with all the industry associations globally and with regulators in various jurisdictions and territories, [and] have established that programs like FIFA Ultimate Team are not gambling.”
Source: IGN
Compliance Updates
Aviatrix lands in the Netherlands
Aviatrix, the award-winning crash game, has received its certification in the Netherlands, meaning Dutch players can enjoy the popular title for the first time.
The certification in the Netherlands opens up yet another important regulated market for Aviatrix, which was recently named âGame of the Yearâ at the EGR Operator Awards 2024.
Gross gaming revenue in the Netherlands hit âŹ1.39 billion in 2023, and is expected to continue to grow over the coming years.
Dutch operators will now be able to capture this growth via Aviatrixâs innovative title, which is proving hugely popular in regulated markets worldwide.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: âThe Netherlands has been on our radar for some time, so this is a big day for us here at Aviatrix. We canât wait to see Dutch players enjoying the title, and we will be working closely with some very special partners in the Netherlands to ensure this game is widely available very soon.â
Part of what makes Aviatrix so successful is the constant updates to the game, which keeps it fresh and exciting for players.
This has included a full redesign with new, 3D assets, as well as a first-of-its-kind free bets function via in-game promo codes.
Compliance Updates
Comtrade Gaming Receives UKGC Approval to Distribute Gaming Content
Comtrade Gaming has obtained a supplier license from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Players in the UK can now enjoy a variety of games from Comtrade Gamingâs portfolio, including the latest Witch Crashâd, Pilot Piggy, Sweet Treasures, Wild Minner, Diamond King, Diamonds in the Sky, White Elephant and many more.
âThis is a significant achievement for Comtrade Gaming. The UK market is a core part of our growth strategy, and this license allows us to bring our games to more operators and players. Weâre excited to work with all operators in the UK market and provide a unique gaming experience for their audiences,â said Steven Valentine, Chief Commercial Officer.
This milestone marks a pivotal step for Comtrade Gaming as it continues to grow within regulated markets and reach new players globally.
Compliance Updates
Spillemyndigheden: Anti-Money Laundering: Screening of Sanctions Lists
Gambling operators must comply with the EUâs sanctions regarding freezing of assets. Freezing of assets means that it is prohibited to make funds and assets directly or indirectly available to individuals who are subject to the EUâs sanctions.
Freezing of assets must take effect immediately when an individual, business or organisation is added to a list of sanctions. Consequently, a gambling operator must screen their costumers in accordance with the existing and updated lists.
The EU keeps several sanctions lists that are updated regularly. Therefore, the EU has created a database, EU Sanctions Map, which includes all current sanctions lists concerning anti-money laundering. The map can also be used to search across the lists. Individuals, businesses and organisations that are subject to a requirement for freezing of assets is marked with a frost symbol.
In addition to the individuals listed in the EU regulations, gambling operators are also obligated to ensure that the operatorâs customers do not appear from the UNâs consolidated asset freeze list. The list is available on the Danish Business Authorityâs website: UNâs freezing of assets list.
Gambling operators are responsible for ensuring that funds are not made available to a sanctioned individual â for example by paying out winnings. Please note that breaches of sanctions adopted by the EU or UN may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.
See more information on sanctions and asset freeze on the Danish Business Authorityâs website, where a guide on freezing of assets is also available.
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